Rifugio Puez

We set off yesterday on what was likely to prove one of the most difficult of our hikes- over 4100 ft of vertical and 7 hours of steady hiking.  It was an interesting and  difficult hike, as it was hot and humid and the beginning climb long and steep.  We had planned to stay at a hut, but it looked a little small and cramped-

We plugged along  through an extremely stony landscape, when we realized that we had not yet done a peak and that some (e.g. Maria) would think we had wasted the day, notwithsanding the spectacular views in all directions. Sacre bleu!  I looked around and noticed a convenient nearby peak and said to Clay-

"Well, lets skip the hut and hike through, even though that small hut sleeping 90 people looks mighty appealing and romantic.  I will get us a room in the valley, but you should do that peak so we dont embarrass ourselves.  You go do that extra 1000 ft of vertical and couple of miles and I will do the dirty work of finding a beer and a comfortable hotel with a hot shower."

So, without complaint, I  hiked down and found a nice hotel, while Clay got the easy job of climbing a peak after already hiking for 5 hours.  So, count 5000 ft of vertical for him, though it is the modest logistical crew that really deserves the credit.